Opening Ceremonies

The United States Olympic team enters the arena at the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.  (Alan Hagman / LAT)

Former Italian skier Alberto Tomba carries the Olympic torch at the 2006 Winter Olympics.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

A metropolitan Shaman strikes a gilded anvil, symbol of the industry and craftsmanship that dominates Turin to begin the opening ceremonies at the 2006 Winter Olympics.  (Alan Hagman / LAT)

Lights burst through the Olympic rings as they are dropped from the top of the Olympic Stadium.  (Gina Ferazzi / LAT)

Dancers run on stage during opening ceremonies In Turin.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

The Italian team waves the country’s flag as they enter Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremonies.  (Gina Ferazzi / LAT)

Acrobats form an eagle during the opening ceremonies.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

Stefania Belmondo, three-time gold medalist for cross-country, lights the flame with the Olympic torch at Olympic Stadium of Turin during opening ceremonies.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

U.S. figure skating pairs champions Rena Inoue and John Baldwin, Jr. of Santa Monica peform a “press lift” as they enter Olympic Stadium for opening ceremonies.  (Gina Ferazzi / LAT)

Team USA proceeds to their seats after entering Olympic Stadium for opening ceremonies in Turin.  (Gina Ferazzi / LAT)

U.S. Speed Skater Chris Witty leads the United States Olympic team around the arena at the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

U.S. Speed Skater Derek Parra, originally from San Bernadino, California, waves to the crowd as the United States Olympic team walks the stage at the opening ceremonies.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

Dancers with huge balloons on their heads run across the stage, symbolizing winter snowflakes at the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.  (Alan Hagman / LAT)

Costumed men take pictures before the start of the opening ceremonies at the 2006 Winter Olympics.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

U.S. figure skater Michelle Kwan waves to the crowd as she enters Olympic Stadium.  (Gina Ferazzi / LAT)

Zephyr and Aura perform an aerial dance for the court during opening ceremonies In Turin. Venus is in the large sea shell.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

Acrobats perform durng opening ceremonies In Turin, Italy for the 2006 Winter Olympics.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

A flying celestial sphere supporting an aerial dancer flies over Olympic Stadium of Turin during the opening ceremonies.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

Fireworks light the Olympic Stadium as Opening Ceremonies come to a close during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.  (Gina Ferazzi / LAT)